GROUPS TRAVELING TOGETHER

We have initiated a special program for setting up interview appointments for some types of groups traveling together. The purposes of this program are: (1) to increase the efficiency of the visa interviews; (2) to make the setting up of interview appointments more convenient for applicants traveling in groups; and (3) to combat fraud that has been attempted in the context of group travel. If the group qualifies for this program, we will set up an appointment to interview the entire group at the same time.

What kinds of groups qualify for this program?

To qualify for this program, the group must have the following characteristics:

• It must be comprised of 5 or more people.
• It must qualify to travel with a “B1/B2” (business/tourism) visa.
• It cannot be work-related.
• It should be associated with a church, school, sports team, cultural group, etc.
• All members of the group must be traveling together, to the same place at the same time, and returning together.

Some examples of groups that could qualify to set up appointments together:

• A group of students going on a short, informal exchange program
• A national selection sports team (volleyball, soccer, etc.) – adult or youth
• A church youth group traveling to do a service project

Some examples of groups that would NOT qualify to set up appointments together:

• A family going on vacation
• A group traveling together for a work-related purpose
• A group that requires special visas, such as a musical or dance group that has an approved petition for a “P” visa, etc.

How do groups set up interview appointments?

The members of a group that qualifies for this program do NOT need to set up appointments through the Call Center. Instead, the group coordinator should contact the Consular Section directly using the following email address, groupssanjose@state.gov, to set up the interview appointments. In your initial email, you should include a list of the members of the group who will apply for visas, together with a brief description of the group and the purpose of travel.

Once we have received your email, we may ask you for additional information about the group. As an anti-fraud measure, we will conduct a brief investigation to confirm that the group and the purpose of travel are legitimate. Once we have all the information we need, we will communicate with you to set up an appointment for all the members of the group to have their interviews together. We will send the group coordinator all the necessary information about the appointment.

Group members still must qualify for the visas.

Even though the group members will have their interviews at the same time, all applicants must still qualify for visas individually. Each applicant must ensure that he or she appears at the interview with all the required evidence to demonstrate his or her qualifications for a Business/Tourism visa.

With the exception of the interview appointment, the process of applying for a visa as part of a group is the same as applying individually. Each member of the group must:

• Pay the $131 fee at Banco Nacional
• Fill out and print all the required forms (DS-156 and, for men ages 16 to 45, DS-157) before the interview
• Demonstrate his or her qualifications for the visa
• If he or she is a minor, appear at the interview with BOTH parents

Who should attend the interview?

EACH APPLICANT group member should attend the interview. If the applicant is a minor, BOTH PARENTS should also attend. The GROUP COODINATOR should also come to the interview of each member of the group.

Please direct any questions about this program to groupssanjose@state.gov.

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